Evil serves the limited purpose of establishing real love relationships between creation and the Creator, and evil will be done away with after that purpose is achieved. If God is good and if God is sovereign then why? In this tragic story we see an incredible insight as to why God allows evil to exist. Why does God allow evil? Did God create evil? The Problem of Evil A series of special focus articles, at Leadership U. “They are upset that God didn’t stop it from happening.” We can begin by acknowledging, as does the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the difficulty of the question, “Why does evil exist?”, and agreeing that “no quick answer will suffice” (No. The Bible does not explicitly explain why God allows evil rulers to come to power, but it does offer many principles that explain both the efforts and the limitations of rulers such as the Hitlers and Husseins of this world. However, Adam and Eve used their free will to disobey God’s command. Recently, through reading a book, I came to understand a little about God’s will … First, God testing Job was to verify his reverence and obedience to God. Couldn’t God have created a world without evil? Freedom to love must happen in the context of a freedom of choice. There is a line of questioning that goes like this: A good God would destroy evil. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. Understanding that God had allowed this to happen so that he could be a man of power in Egypt, Joseph said, “God turned to good what you [my brothers] meant for evil. God did not create evil, but He does allow evil. Evil governments are God’s ministers as long they are not excessively evil (Zechariah 1:15). If love is the goal, it could not be otherwise. Thus, Satan has become “the ruler of the world.”​—Read John 14:30; 1 John 5:19. They accepted that God did not create evil, but still asked why God allowed evil to persist? God has the power to prevent suffering and calamity--so why does He allow it? An all-powerful God could destroy evil. J.L. If we do, we prove that Satan lied when he claimed that under pressure no one would do as God says.​—Read 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33. Typically the argument runs as: "Since our world is full of evil and a good, all-powerful God would never allow for evil, God therefore cannot exist." You can! The only way death could exist is if someone sinned. Geisler, Norman. They may even succeed in forcing others to act and say loving things to them. Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff: I’m so sorry to hear about your son and what happened. We indicate our choice by the way we live.​—Read Job 1:8-12; Proverbs 27:11. ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SOURCES. Satan uses his power to promote immoral, harmful practices. The Problem of Evil. Evil is the absence of good, or better, evil is the absence of God. Why would a good God allow the Holocaust, genocide, racism, terrorism, etc? Here are sixteen Bible passages that help us understand why God allows the presence of evil and suffering in the world: God has a purpose in everything he allows. ... And this, I submit, explains why God created a world in which evil was possible. You begin to wonder, Why follow God when all I get is trials? This is a flawed premise since it implies that we are in a position to say what is good and what is not good about God. We know that God is good and that He is all-powerful. Often this is more than we think we can bear. When you post, you agree to the terms and conditions of our comments policy. Well, part of it includes that these have free will just like everyone else. Evil began on earth when Satan told the first lie. This question (i.e. We've said that sin is the source of evil, and death is its inevitable end, but Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty due for every sin (and the evil it has caused) committed by every person that ever lived. 1. Every ruler is accountable to God for how he or she uses their authority. The curious, as well as the critics of Christianity, ask this question. Ellen White's prediction elaborated on some of the problems behind skyscrapers such as those in New York City, problems that she was shown would eventually bring about their destruction. A common question posed towards Christians is, “If There is an all-loving, all-knowing God, why does he allow evil and suffering to exist?” Read more to learn how we can reconcile the hardships and sufferings in life with the goodness of God. All … 1. 3 5. While in the hospital he was often awakened to have blood taken, chemotherapy and methotrexate administered, etc. God may use physical evil for a higher purpose: to test us and prepare us for glory (1 Peter 1:6-7, 5:10, 2 Corinthians 12:7-9), or to make us more compassionate (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). So, why did God allow evil Saul to assume Israel’s throne? Read your Bible carefully, please. … The wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Geisler, Norman. In a few words, “The God of the Bible loves free will that much.” To the Scriptures we go! Why would a powerful and loving God allow suffering, evil and death? Romans 13 teaches that God established governmental authority. He is a God of … Evil is a corruption of God’s creation brought about by man’s decision to follow their own desires rather than obey God. God allowed evil and suffering in the world to bring His Son to the cross so that we might have the opportunity to obtain eternal life. Many think God is to blame for all the suffering in the world. In explaining why God permits evil to occur, it is important to go beyond the fact that God created each of us with free will. Why Did God Allow Biden-Harris to Prevail? Why did God allow Joe Biden to win the election? We begin reading in 1 Samuel chapter 8: “[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Assuming that we have free will, evil (unrighteousness) is a byproduct of our free will whenever we choose to do something contrary to the nature of God. Good News From God! Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. Various answers have been given but permanently settling the issue is impossible (this side of heaven) because so many of our answers raise further questions. If God did not allow for the possibility of sin and death, there was no way to show His love. And on the surface, to someone not grounded in Scripture who has experienced some form of tragedy, this would seem logical. Probably one of the greatest challenges faced by Christianity and Christians is the reality of evil and suffering. If there is a God of justice in heaven, why d… Romans 13:1 teaches, "For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." Dr. Charles Stanley offers a biblical answer to this question. In a few words, “The God of the Bible loves free will that much.” To the Scriptures we go! The Roots of Evil. God did not have to create evil, but rather only allow for the absence of good. Before providing some thoughts on your question directly, it’s important to point out that we can know three things, regardless of how we might solve your question: Evil exists. (Prov. Click here to read it. A Good Reason For Evil Commentary by Greg Koukl Bosnia, Rape, And The Problem Of Evil Greg Koukl responds to a letter to the editor in which the writer's pain causes him to ask the age-old question of why God allows evil to exist If God is so good, why does He allow evil to exist? The Bible warns, “The soul who sins is the one who will die. Evil Why does God allow evil? 16:4) God’s wrath is righteous. Inasmuch as God did not wish Adam and Eve to be tempted above their ability to withstand (1 Cor. If God had not allowed for the possibility of evil, both mankind and angels would be serving God out of obligation, not choice. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. There is only one reason for Christians to disobey government. The Bible promises that all disasters and tragedies will soon be gone forever. On a human level, those who allow evil that they could otherwise prevent are, along with the perpetrator of evil, morally culpable. The humans and angels whom God created were capable of obeying God perfectly. Adam’s decision led to suffering and death.​—Read Genesis 3:1-6, 19. "Why did a personal, loving God create a world in which evil exists?" For a limited time, Jehovah has allowed rebellion against his sovereignty. by John Sebastian. Because God is good, He does not allow there to be excess evil. Some physical evil may be the result of t he original sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12-14). 2. God and Evil If God is such a nice guy, why is there so much misery and suffering in the world? However, we do know that God is all-wise and all-knowing and that He has reasons for allowing things to happen that are beyond our comprehension. These attributes tell us the following about God: (1) God is capable of preventing evil, and (2) … We begin reading in 1 Samuel chapter 8: “[1] And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. He cares so much that he was prepared to come to earth in the person of his son, Jesus, and be put to death so that all this evil could be dealt with. And this is not something that leaves God unmoved. Christian Truth. "Why did God give man freedom to commit evil acts?" Question: "Why does God allow evil?" Ultimately, I think the problem of evil is not about God but humanity. God did not create evil and neither is He to blame for the evil in the universe. Why does God allow such (quote) “evil men and women” (see verses above) to assume positions of power / exercise, take control? Would you like to read this article in %%? Our choices reveal whether we want God as our Ruler. When we reject such practices, some friends and relatives may ridicule or oppose us. Satan, therefore, came in the form of a creature, not only far inferior to God… If we have freedom then we can choose wrongly. The Bible does not explicitly explain why God allows evil rulers to come to power, but it does offer many principles that explain both the efforts and the limitations of rulers such as the Hitlers and Husseins of this world. ... Oh I forgot, tRumptards think he is the second coming, even though EVERY SINGLE THING HE DOES IS EVIL INCARNATE. But we know God's character. God created humans with the capacity to make decisions. Learn what God says about the reasons for suffering. But it is by no means clear that an invocation of free will gets around the problem of evil. Audio download options Some religions teach that evil is unreal, but the Bible never minimizes the truth of misery and pain. The Bible shows, however, that these are the result of the curse we live under due to human sin – see Genesis 3 and Romans 8. Often people ask, where was God when this evil act took place or, why did God allow this horrific situation to happen? We can choose God as our Ruler by seeking out and practicing true worship based on God’s Word, the Bible. Therefore the possibility either way for sin and death had to exist for God to show His love. Life Without Suffering—A Trustworthy Promise. Back to A-Z Index About These Resources. Why does God allow people like him to die while evil people still live on the earth? PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/1102012190/univ/art/1102012190_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/fg/E/wpub/fg_E_lg.jpg. How then can we judge God? The first is obvious to us. Why did God allow evil in the world? God has allowed evil to exist but He has answered the problem of evil once for all through His Son, Jesus. But why did he permit evil and not prevent it? For this woman, the loss of her child was an unequalled and tragic evil. Evil is the privation of a good. News: Commentary. September 11: Why Did God Allow It? (1 Peter 4:3, 4) So we face a choice. The existence of moral evil shows that although God did create man with the ability to distinguish and choose between good and evil, some still choose to perpetuate evil. Kola Abimbola examines an ancient problem. Powerful people may be able to force others to do just about anything. Those who demonstrate that they believe this will enjoy life on earth forever.​—Read John 3:16. Satan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Moreover, the biblical characters show us that a stoic detachment from evil is not the right response. So never again scratch your head and wonder aloud why it is that evil has been allowed to … Blindness, deafness, and lameness are examples of metaphysical evil; cruelty and malevolence are examples of moral evil; and earthquakes, droughts, and tornados are examples of physical evil.  |  The question raises the issue of why God let any of this happen. In this, God has not stepped away from fallen creation but has stepped into it by becoming Jesus. How could a good God allow so much evil? … Or “If an all loving God does exist, why would he allow people to be poor, children to be born with birth defects, war, violence, hunger, etc?” As a Christian, I’ve personally been challenged by these types of questions in my Christian life. 309). Will we associate with people who love God? First, evil is not an illusion—it’s all too real. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to GodSatan lied to the first woman, Eve, and persuaded her to obey him instead of God. Fact: People of great faith have questioned why God allows evil.For instance, the prophet Habakkuk asked God: “Why do you allow violence, lawlessness, crime, and cruelty to spread everywhere?” (Habakkuk 1:3, Contemporary English Version) Rather than rebuke Habakkuk, God had the questions he asked recorded in the Bible for all to read. Evil is not destroyed. You see, when God first created the human race, He made them completely free. ADDITIONAL REFERENCE SOURCES. The only way God could die was if death existed. But He also restrains it. B. Idiotic reiligious fools like you are the reason this world is in the mess it is. God created and sustains the world. Traditionally, there are three main categories of evil: metaphysical, moral, and physical or natural. Sad. God says in His Bible that this side effect is only for a time. Any attempts to answer such questions can seem trite or even be unhelpful. Since I used the first statement as evidence for the second, it diffuses any argument against God from the so-called ‘problem of evil’ (see Why would a loving God allow death and suffering?). God has promised to remove all causes of suffering. Good News From God! Suffering and death are a side effect of evil ( Romans 5:12 ). Share That is when they command us to violate God’s laws (Acts 4:19-20; 5:27-29). For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, … Only people who choose to be ruled by God will inhabit the earth.​—Isaiah 11:9; Read Daniel 2:44. Is it possible to force people to love? We'll quote her prediction at length, up to the point just prior to where she heard the alarm of fire, and saw fireproof buildings burning like pitch. Copyright © 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. … The wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him” (Ezekiel 18:20). Why? Would you like to disprove that lie? “They want to know why a good God would allow this to happen,” said one of them. What I will do … So the question then becomes "why do we have free will?" Good News From God! Share Why does God allow evil rulers like Hitler and Saddam to have power. What we fail to realize is that we are also part of the equation. Why would a good God allow the Holocaust, genocide, racism, terrorism, etc? Why Does God Allow Evil? Evil came as a result of the selfishness of man.The Bible says that God is a God of love and He desired to create a person and eventually a race that would love Him. What is God’s will in this matter? Adam joined Eve in disobeying God. God allow evil to happen to his son Jesus to save us because he loves us And that evil must have happen in order for us to be saved, without the blood on that cross we would not be saved. Why does God let bad things happen? An all-powerful God would be able to eradicate evil. The problem of evil in the world can be traced back to the time in Genesis 3. In the same way, God’s allowing the Holocaust in no way suggests His approval of it. Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering? Ultimately, I think the problem of evil is not about God but humanity. Answer: The Bible describes God as holy (Isaiah 6:3), righteous (Psalm 7:11), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and sovereign (Daniel 4:17-25). A common question posed towards Christians is “Why would an all loving, all knowing God allow evil/suffering to exist”? (Deuteronomy 32:4, 5) God created us with the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. God knew that Job had fear and reverence for Him and stayed away from evil, so why did God allow Satan to tempt Job and subject him to such great suffering? If you want answers to these challenging questions then look no further than this book. In any case, even Reformed theology often says that God “allows” evil in order to indicate that the way in which the Lord stands behind evil is different than the way that He stands behind good. Yet we also know that evil exists. My students found Augustine intellectually clear but emotionally unsatisfying. Why did God allow sin at all? Although the Bible informs us how and why evil came about, it does not tell us why God allowed it to happen. All of God’s works are perfect. God allowed Pilate, who sanctioned the execution of Jesus, to accomplish his will of having Jesus die for the sin of the world (John 19:11). (John 4:23) We can reject Satan as our ruler by keeping out of politics and war, as Jesus did.​—Read John 17:14. [Related: Your Role in Politics | God and Politics] Video Highlights: When it comes to human government, the Bible portrays God as actively involved in order to accomplish his purposes. The response to the foregoing is summed up in God's nature and His desire for mankind. Satan was originally a perfect angel, but “he did not stand fast in the truth.” (John 8:44) He developed a desire for worship that rightly belongs only to God. You were praying and counting on Gods promises, but things did not turn out the way you had expected. A Good God? (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Soon, Jehovah will bring all human government to an end. February 3, 2015. God is not responsible for what evil men do; they alone are responsible, and they are accountable to God for their evil actions. One of the principal challenges to the belief in God is the problem of evil. At times even great thinkers are baffled by the seeming contradiction between the existence of a loving God and the fact of evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20 NLT). As discussed earlier, a loving God can allow an evil state of affairs to exist if, in allowing it to occur, it brings about an even better state of affairs. Some atheists argue God cannot exist because God would not allow evil things to happen to good people. Recently, through reading a book, I came to understand a little about God’s will … God is morally perfect. Through psychological or physical torture, they may succeed in forcing them to curse their own children to deny their faith. Love takes risks. Believing in a grifter as if he is your saviour. God chose to create a world in which evil is possible only in the sense that he chose to create a world in which love is possible. God is grieved by the sinfulness of man and the hardness of his heart (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5). Although the Bible informs us how and why evil came about, it does not tell us why God allowed it to happen. Evil is an imperfection, lack or void in God's creation. As discussed earlier, a loving God can allow an evil state of affairs to exist if, in allowing it to occur, it brings about an even better state of affairs. Why did God flood the world? But genuine love cannot exist unless freely given through free choice to accept God’s love or to reject it. The problem of evil has long been a stumbling block. These are important questions and while we cannot solve them all neatly in one short article, we can address evil and suffering and begin to offer some possible solutions to the seeming dilemma. In this tragic story we see an incredible insight as to why God allows evil to exist. The majority of mankind have joined Satan in rejecting God as their Ruler. God has allowed men to rule for long enough to demonstrate that they cannot resolve mankind’s problems. February 3, 2015. Why does God allow evil? Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff: I’m so sorry to hear about your son and what happened. When Satan suggested that Eve disobey God, he was starting a rebellion against God’s sovereignty, or position as Most High. But the guy who scoffs at God is doing great. They accepted that God did not create evil, but still asked why God allowed evil to persist? For this woman, the loss of her child was an unequalled and tragic evil… We can’t forget that this story is part of a larger literary unit from Genesis 1 to 11. How and when will he do this? So we sense that we are left with a contradiction; God must not be all-good, or He must not be all-powerful. Boat. The story of the flood is found in Genesis 6-9, but it really begins a bit earlier. Maybe you have been watching fake news .